Tshwane residents have been urged to stay clear of local rivers and streams after alarming levels of bacteria were detected in recent water quality tests.

The metro’s MMC for Health Services, Tshegofatso Mashabela, has issued a public warning calling on residents to avoid using rivers for any recreational, cultural or religious activities.

This includes swimming and baptism ceremonies until further notice.

“The health and safety of our residents remain our top priority,” said Mashabela.

“We have recorded elevated bacterial contamination in several rivers across Tshwane, and exposure to this water could cause serious illness.”

According to the MMC, contact with contaminated water, even through the skin, may lead to eye and skin irritation, respiratory problems, nausea, and, in severe cases, waterborne diseases.

She said the bacteria also pose a significant threat to aquatic life, lowering oxygen levels in the water and destabilising fragile river ecosystems.

“The pollution stems from several sources, including rainwater runoff carrying human waste, agricultural effluent, and the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste.”

Mashabela explained that in some cases, decomposing organic matter in stagnant sections of rivers has made conditions even worse.

“This situation is not only a human health concern, but an environmental crisis,” she said.

“We urge all residents to take this warning seriously and to report any illegal dumping of waste or chemicals into our water systems.”

Residents have been advised not to collect river water for household or religious use and to rely instead on treated, potable water for drinking and domestic needs.

Mashabela said authorities are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with environmental health practitioners and water management teams to determine the extent of the contamination.

She is also appealing to faith leaders and community groups to support the safety measures and suspend water-based ceremonies until officials confirm that conditions have improved.

“Together, we can protect our people and our environment,” she said.

“We appreciate the community’s co-operation as we work to safeguard public health and restore the quality of our rivers.”

Residents can expect further updates from the metro as it intensifies its water quality monitoring programme in the coming weeks.

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